As we all know the Florida Legislature has been in special session to balance the budget, which has plummeted to about $65 billion from a high of $72 billion less than two years ago due to the sagging economy. The IFAS budget was cut by the 4% that state agencies were instructed to hold back in case our economy ended …
Unique Florida Citrus Art – Bill North Originals
Many people in Florida citrus are familiar with Bill North’s unique citrus art. He really captures the special essence of “Florida” citrus in particular. North is a regular exhibitor each year at Citrus Expo, and we’ve really grown to appreciate his work over the years. Bill just informed us of his new website, so we’re passing along the information for …
Florida Citrus Mutual News re USDA OJ Buy & Crop Forecast Update
In this post, a couple of our recent broadcasts featuring Florida Citrus Mutual CEO Mike Sparks (photo) reacting to USDA’s announcement it plans to make a large O J purchase for federal feeding programs. Also, here is the news release from Mutual about the January Citrus Crop Forecast update from USDA, out early this morning. Sponsoring this news report: LAKELAND, …
UF Ag Prepares for More Cuts
Many are waiting to see what the final outcome will be with the Florida legislature’s special session to bring the budget in line due to the predicted $2.3 billion shortfall. Many of us know that cuts are going to need to be made, and this includes Professor Jeff Dahl with the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida.
Cold Weather Concerns for Upcoming Several Days
We realize farmers are likely the world’s best weather watchers, so it should be no surprise that concerns about this week’s expected cold weather seem to be growing with each forecast. We have received a number of weather warnings over the last day or so from a variety of sources, about possible freeze events in numerous agriculture production areas of …
USDA Issues Final Rule on Mandatory Country of Origin Labelling
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2009 — (USDA) The United States Department of Agriculture today announced details of the final regulation for the mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) program required by the 2002 and 2008 farm bills. The full text of the final rule will be published in the Jan. 15, 2009 Federal Register. The rule becomes effective on March 16, …
Final Crop Estimates Released
The final estimates for the 2008 crop season was released this morning by the National Agriculture Statistics Service, as Tyron Spearman looks at where peanut and other crop numbers came in.
Citrus Crop Forecast January 2009 Update
Click Here to go to USDA’s website copy of this month’s January update of the Citrus Crop Forecast. And listen to the two reports in this post for comments from Candi Erick (photo), Crop Statistics Administrator for the Florida Agriculture Statistics Service who oversees the citrus numbers. Sponsoring this news report: USDA NASS
Florida to be well represented at American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick will lead a group of about 110 Florida Farm Bureau members to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 90th Annual Meeting Jan. 11-14 in San Antonio. The group includes voting and Women’s delegates, county presidents other leaders, and staff.
Southeast Fruit and Vegetable Conference Wraps Up
The Southeast Fruit and Vegetable Conference wrapped up in Savannah yesterday and Gary Cooper has an overview of some of the highlights.